Budget Town Hall Meetings
Thanks to everyone who came to the public hearing I hosted last week to talk about the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Our budget should reflect the community’s priorities. There are still opportunities for you to have your voice heard. I will hold five upcoming town hall meetings in the coming weeks where you can share feedback on budget priorities and concerns. Please click here to watch a recording of the December 4 Public Hearing in the FCG TV archives.
There will be one meeting in each of the County Council Districts. The schedule is as follows:
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Monday, January 13, 7 p.m. (District 2) – Twin Ridge Elementary School, 1106 Leafy Hollow Circle, Mount Airy
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Wednesday, January 22, 7 p.m. (District 4) - Oakdale Middle School, 5810 Oakdale School Road, Ijamsville
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Saturday, January 25, 1 p.m. (District 5) – Walkersville Middle School, 55 West Frederick Street, Walkersville
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Monday, January 27, 7 p.m. (District 3) – Waverley Elementary School, 201 Waverley Drive, Frederick
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Thursday, January 30, 7 p.m. (District 1) – Middletown Library, 31 East Green Street, Middletown
All meetings are open to the public. For more information, or to submit comments online, please visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/BudgetPublicHearing. Additionally, each town hall will be recorded and posted online for later viewing on FCG TV.
December 4 Budget Town Hall Meeting.
Community Partnership Grant Program
In the upcoming year, I am looking forward to continuing to partner with local nonprofits to serve residents more effectively. These types of collaborations leverage our strengths, which results in improved services and stronger communities.
I recently announced the opening of the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Partnership Grant Program. This program awards competitive grants to local nonprofit organizations that serve the needs of Frederick County residents. The application period for this year’s grant program opened on November 25 and will close on January 8, 2025.
Applications should focus on the areas of addressing homelessness and housing solutions, quality of life, public health, and supporting the arts. These areas are crucial for fostering a strong, thriving community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
For additional information, click here or watch the video below.
Click the image above to watch the FY 26 Community Partnership Grant Announcement.
Bill Expands Who Qualifies for Veterans Tax Credit
More Frederick County veterans could see their property tax bills drop under a proposed change to the County’s Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit. I recently introduced the expansion to close a loophole that previously prevented service members in Maryland from receiving the tax credit if their disability is classified as non-permanent.
Frederick County’s Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit originally passed in 2021. Until this year, Maryland law did not allow local governments to issue the tax credit for veterans who have non-permanent service-connected disabilities of 100%. Council Member Steve McKay, who sponsored the 2021 bill, agreed to sponsor the revised legislation.
Click here to learn more.
Grand Opening of Middletown's First Skate Spot
The Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the highly anticipated Middletown Park Skate Spot and Pump Track, a 13,538 square foot multi-use skate spot and pump track in Middletown. The new skate spot and pump track will provide an engaging space for skaters and riders of all ages. It is designed to accommodate a variety of skill levels.
Click here to learn more about the grand opening.
New Resource Guide on Agricultural Land Preservation
Frederick County is committed to preserving farmland and promoting agriculture. Preserving agricultural land is critical to ensuring food security, supporting local farmers, and maintaining the rural character of Frederick County.
To support these efforts, the Frederick County Office of Agriculture recently released a new resource guide on Agricultural Land Preservation Programs. The updated, comprehensive guide is designed to help farmers, landowners, and stakeholders better understand the county’s initiatives to preserve and protect agricultural land for future generations.
To learn more about the guide, click here.
Highlighted Events & Activities
Parks and Recreation Activities: Our division of Parks and Recreation offers a wide range of activities and events for the whole family. Whether you are looking to improve your skills or learn something new, Parks and Rec has activities for all ages. Browse and register for activities on the Parks and Rec website.
Frederick County Public Libraries: Our public libraries offer a variety of enriching events and programs for kids, teens, and adults. From story times to crafts to educational workshops, there’s something for everyone. Learn more on the Frederick County Libraries website.
50+ Community Centers: Our 50+ Community Centers offer a variety of fitness classes, social groups, special events. Learn more on our 50+ Community Centers webpage.
Frederick County Workforce Services: Are you or someone you know looking for a job? Workforce Services offers a variety of in-person and virtual classes and workshops to help people prepare for a new career. Learn more on the Frederick County Workforce Services event page.
Boards & Commissions - Volunteers Needed
Are you interested in getting more involved in Frederick County? Visit our Boards and Commission webpage to learn how you can serve. Our Boards and Commissions rely on the expertise of community members to support, develop, promote, and advise on key issues that impact a broad range of industries across the County. If you have expertise in a topic, please consider applying for a position. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please email fcgboards@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
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